The REGIONAL RATEPAYERS REBELLION

The campaign in support of the Petition demanding that the Auckland
Regional Council reset its rates in accordance with Section 119 of the
Local Government (Rating) Act 2003.

Contact, campaign spokesman, DAVID THORNTON
[Chairman of the Glenfield Ratepayers]
david@Kandu.co.nz

MEDIA RELEASE Monday, 18 August 2003

Update from David Thornton

Minister responds.

Local Government Minister Chris Carter has responded to my request of 15th July for the appointment of a Ministerial Review of the ARC. He advises that his officials will report "within the next two weeks'.

Since my original request much has happened - including the launching of the Rebellion campaign.

We will make further submissions to the Minister this week with some new developments - including ARC councillors demanding that ratepayers should not send them emails - and a similar demand to not make phone calls to councillors.

We have heard that some ARC members are attempting to block emails from ratepayers.

This attitude does nothing to improve relationships between elected representatives and those they represent - and is heading in the same direction that the Rodney District Council was heading when it was replaced by a Commissioner in 2000.

Petition

The petition has attracted many thousand of signatures so far and will remain in circulation until the final date for payment for Auckland City ratepayers, September 1st.

ARC meeting

Meeting this Thursday of rates committee which is to look at penalties and payment options.

March

This Saturday at 12.00 - bottom of Queen Street [close to Britomart] to Town Hall.

ENDS

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